Update: Kangaroo caught near Thruway came from a local petting zoo

Canastota, NY -- A missing kangaroo was found on the Thruway by its owner, state police said this afternoon.

State troopers were hopping out of their cruisers today on the New York State Thruway between mile markers 265 and 268 in Madison County in a search for the 'roo.

The kangaroo belongs to Jeff Taylor Jr., of Lakeport Road in the town of Sullivan, said Sullivan Animal Control Officer Kim Muehlenbein. Taylor bought the animal last month for use at a petting zoo he operates in the fall on Canaseraga Road.

The animal escaped shortly after he bought it, and has been on the loose ever since, Muehlenbein said. Taylor put out food in the vicinity of his property, and there were occasional sighting called into the animal control officer. Wednesday was the first time state police got involved, Muhlenbein said.

"It's been out near the Thruway before, and someone has called it in," she said.

The animal is less than two years old and under three feet high and not aggressive, Muehlenbein said, "but what ever you do, don't corner it - it can kick you."

Taylor has the required U.S. Department of Agriculture permit to own the animal, Muehlenbein said.

Sgt. Robin Urbaniak confirmed that there was a hunt on for the kangaroo west of the Canastota exit and then later announced the marsupial had been found.